Trails

Maps

(Cautionary note: trails have not yet been blazed in the colors indicated on the map. The intersection numbers are posted by numbers marked on white tape, affixed to trees with yellow rope. Work to complete permanent intersection numbers, new signage, and colored trail blazing is ongoing.)

Suggested Walks

Below are links to descriptions of several wonderful walks, but your review of the map will reveal many other opportunities.

When leaving the vicinity of the buildings at Noble View, in almost any direction, you will be going downhill, sometimes on steep grades--which means that to return, you will have to climb uphill. If you question your capacity for uphill walking, don't go too far downhill before turning back.

Other Area Popular Hikes

The majestic Keystone Arches are a collection of five dry-laid stone masonry railroad bridges and one bridge ruin. The Keystone Arch Bridges Trail offers a moderate 5-mile round trip walk for all ages. There are some extreme drop-offs, and the ancillary trails down to the river at each bridge can add some mileage

Mt Tom / New England National Scenic Trail (M & M)

Mt. Tom boasts an unparalleled view of the Connecticut Valley north and south, the Berkshire mountains to the west and the Pelham hills to the east. This 2,161 acre facility offers 22 miles of hiking and walking trails; picnicking; fishing on Lake Bray; and cross country skiing and ice skating in the winter. Mt. Tom also offers a children's play area.

Lake Bray is a small waterbody consisting of less than 10 acres. The Oxbow located 2 miles North of the Route 5 entrance would be an alternative site for boating enthusiasts.

Today the Reservation includes about 47 of the 80 tree species found naturally in Hampshire County. Mt. Tom is one of the premier hawk watching spots in New England. Each fall, thousands of hawks and other birds fly past the mountain.

The New England National Scenic Trail (M & M) is a 215-mile trail route that has been in existence for over half a century. It travels through 39 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and is comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock Trails. The Mt Tom system may be the most popular area hiked within the M & M trail system.

Trail Work Days

We hold trail maintenance work days from time to time. We meet at the Tool Shed at 9:00am, and usually work for several hours. Volunteers are always welcome, especially new and prospective AMC members! See the News and Events page for upcoming work days.

Trail work at Noble View is a great opportunity to meet other Berkshire Chapter members, and to feel good while doing good. No experience is necessary, and you don’t need to bring tools. All you need is water, sturdy boots and gloves, lunch/snacks, and clothing appropriate to the weather.

Skiing At Noble View

The following trails are excellent for cross-country skiing (see the trail map):

Swimming

Swimming is available at nearby Russell Pond. Swimming passes and parking passes are required. A lifeguard is on duty during the summer swimming season.

The beach is located 1.7 miles from Noble View. Go through the gate and turn right. At the end of South Quarter Road, turn left. Russell Pond is one-half mile on the left. The road on the left just past the pond is marked with a sign that says Boy Scout Reservation. Turn left there. The town beach is located at the fenced-in area.

Swimming and parking passes are kept in the Farmhouse, just outside the door on the left in a locked cabinet (your gate key will open the cabinet). Please note, this is a very popular activity so passes are not always available. Passes must be displayed on your dashboard in order for you to park at and use the town beach. Noble View is not responsible for parking tickets.

Only a limited number of passes are available. Please return the passes promptly so they can be available for other guests.

Parking at the beach is very limited. Please car pool where possible.

A lifeguard is on duty from July 1 through Labor Day Weekend, from 11:00 am until 6:00pm. The beach can be used at other times at your own risk, as long as beach and parking permits are displayed.

Hike Safe - The Hiker Responsibility Code

We strongly encourage everyone who participates in outdoor recreation to take responsibility for themselves, to plan ahead, and to be prepared for the unexpected.

The Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game. See hikeSafe’s website for excellent planning and safety information. Although conditions in the White Mountains differ from those in Western Massachusetts, the Hiker Responsibility Code establishes an excellent benchmark for hiker safety.

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.

For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.

To share the hiker code with others.

Please Be Respectful of the Land

Much of the Noble View trail system is outside the boundaries of AMC-owned property. The usual consideration for property of others should be shown when hiking these trails, and the rule of “Carry In, Carry Out” should be rigorously observed.

In accordance with Leave No Trace practices, when you reach muddy places in the trail, we ask that you trudge through the mud, rather than widening the trail by walking on its shoulder. Please practice Leave No Trace principles on and off the Noble View property.

Our respectful use of our neighbors’ land is very important, as is providing our neighbors with any information possible about the disrespectful use of their land by others. Contact the Noble View Chair, Rob Robertson, to report any damaging or disrespectful use of the trails and properties you walk through, or any problems such as wet places or trees down across the trails. Be prepared to provide precise locations, so we can address the problems or provide accurate information to the property owners.